Question

Which of the following nutrients is required in the largest quantity by plants?

• A. Iron
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Zinc
• D. Copper

Hint:

Plants require macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in large quantities. Micronutrients like iron, zinc, and copper are required only in trace amounts.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding plant nutrients.
Plants require several essential nutrients for their growth, metabolism, and development. These nutrients are broadly divided into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are needed in relatively large quantities, whereas micronutrients are required in very small amounts but are still essential for plant health.

Step 2: Importance of nitrogen in plants.
Nitrogen is one of the most important macronutrients for plants. It is a fundamental component of amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the pigment responsible for photosynthesis, the process through which plants produce food using sunlight. Because nitrogen participates in these critical biological processes, plants require it in large amounts for proper growth.

Step 3: Comparison with other options.

• (A) Iron: Iron is an essential micronutrient involved in enzyme systems and chlorophyll formation, but plants require it only in trace amounts.
• (B) Nitrogen: Correct. Nitrogen is a primary macronutrient and is required by plants in the largest quantity among the given options.
• (C) Zinc: Zinc is a micronutrient that helps regulate enzyme activity and hormone production, but it is required only in small quantities.
• (D) Copper: Copper is also a micronutrient that participates in electron transport and enzyme reactions but is needed in very small amounts.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Among the given nutrients, nitrogen is required in the largest quantity by plants because it is a major macronutrient essential for protein synthesis, chlorophyll formation, and overall plant growth. Final Answer:} Nitrogen.